Colorado workers suffer a variety of injuries in the workplace each and every day. Instead of reporting a workplace injury, workers may continue with their normal duties or treat their injuries off the company’s time. They do not want to do anything to jeopardize their employment in such an unstable economy, so some elect to avoid reporting workplace injuries to the appropriate authority.
OSHA claims that one railroad company in another state took these issues to an entirely different level. Some of the policies implemented by the company assessed workers points or even probation when they suffered a workplace injury. Moreover, they were subjected to extensive safety counseling. OSHA determined that these measures discouraged workers from reporting their injuries.
Per the OSHA findings, the company made changes to its policies. OSHA sought to ensure that the workplace did not make workers feel as if they would face consequences because they simply reported a job related injury. OSHA determined that if employees did not report injuries, there would be a spike in injuries. In those circumstances, employees would never learn the proper protocols to avoid repeat injuries from occurring.
Employers are supposed to provide a safe working environment. Employees can help employers do this by reporting injuries and unsafe incidents that occur within the workplace. Injured employees have rights and can exercise them without fearing negative consequences. It will prove to be essential to research applicable laws in the state of Colorado that apply to a workplace injury. Knowing what options are available may save time in the workers’ compensation claims process.
Source: cjonline.com, “BNSF, OSHA sign agreement on employee injuries,” Megan Hart, May 17, 2013